Every
year for a while now, I’ve been telling you, my dear readers, my picks for what
I’ve been listening to, watching, reading, and buying during the Christmas
season, in case you need some fresh ideas about what to get that special
someone, including yourself.
This
year, the playing field is chock full o’ fabulous ideas, because they include
the opportunity to do good for others, support independent artists, and enrich
your lives in several different ways.
At
the top of my list is a way to truly do some good. Most of us give a little
something extra during this time of year, whether it be to those collecting
toys for needy tots or cash for the bell ringers outside of stores.
I’m
proposing a way to help someone one on one. No middle man, no wondering how
much will really go to help. My friend Carolyn is battling cancer and there is a
campaign set up to help with her medical bills. Here is the link to it: Help Carolyn Kick Cancer
A very heartfelt thank you to those of you who
decide to jump in and help. There is also a benefit concert that I will be
participating in on January 23rd. You can check out the details of
that here: Benefit Concert
Are you looking for some new renditions of
Christmas favorites AND a way to support independent artists? (I’ll assume you
are nodding yes to this.) Well, my friend Kira Small has a new CD coming out,
and one of the rewards for supporting the project is a digital download of some
Christmas songs. You can’t get them anywhere else, plus you get the download of
the new CD to boot! Check her out here: Kira's Music
Do
you enjoy sappy Christmas movies on the Hallmark channel this time of year? (I
know everyone does. Come on, admit it, you’re glued to the TV at all hours
watching them just like I am.) Well, this year, there are two new ones in the smorgasbord
that are particularly special to me.
The Christmas Note, written by my
cousin Erik Patterson will air again December 17th, 19th,
21st, and 25th. And The
Bridge, produced by my cousin Dan Angel will air again December 13th,
15th, 18th, and 24th. Please check them out!
Do
you love to read? (Clearly, you do, because you’re on my blog page reading it.) This year’s pick for book I
loved was Don’t Jump by Vicki
Abelson. Aside from being a wonderful writer herself, Vicki is all about being
a supporter and encourager of other writers by creating the group known as
Women Who Write. She is one awesome lady!
And while we are on the topic of awesome ladies, you will love these books by Jeryl Brunner:
My City, My New York
My City, My Los Angeles
And while we are on the topic of awesome ladies, you will love these books by Jeryl Brunner:
My City, My New York
My City, My Los Angeles
Do you have a young child on your list? There is a heartwarming book by J. Frederic Rowles called Amil, the Lonely Stone. Buy it and read it with the little ones. It's soooo sweet!
A Christmas list would not be complete without mention of my favorite Christmas CD’s from year to year. You would think they would change constantly, but interestingly enough, no one else's has knocked them off their well deserved perch of my top three favorite holiday CD’s.
A Christmas list would not be complete without mention of my favorite Christmas CD’s from year to year. You would think they would change constantly, but interestingly enough, no one else's has knocked them off their well deserved perch of my top three favorite holiday CD’s.
So
here once again are:
BethAnne
Clayton’s Remember:
Mak
Kaylor’s Glad Tidings:
Christopher Finkelmeyer’s Unforgotten Christmas:
What have I left out? Oh yeah, my new CD, which is available for
pre-order now! Here’s the link to pre-order: "In Color" Pre-Order
I
hope you all have a beautiful and joy-filled holiday season!
Peace
and Blessings to you,
Ilene
OMG, Beyond honored! You made my day... again... !
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